2. What can I do to keep my system secure?

The Briar Cliff campus network is protected by spam, virus, and spyware filtering devices. However, you should keep your system virus and spyware-free to the best of your ability.

The IT Center recommends taking the following steps to help secure your system:

Use antivirus software and keep it up to date. New viruses are released daily and may not be detected by out-of-date antivirus software. Your antivirus software should update automatically, but may not if the subscription is expired. New computers often come with 'trial' antivirus software that will expire shortly after purchasing the computer. The IT Center recommends that all students use Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus, which can be downloaded free of charge.

Install Critical Updates from Microsoft. Microsoft often releases security patches to Windows. These patches fix known security issues in Windows itself. The IT Center recommends that you enable Automatic Updates on your system. To run Windows Update on your system, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Install all critical updates and Service Packs.

Don't install unneccessary software. Desktop utilities such as search toolbars, weather tools, and instant messengers not only use your computers resources, but are often packaged with Spyware that can track your browsing habits and give you pop-up ads. Do not install ActiveX controls from web sites or install software from the web unless you are confident the source is trustable.

Install updates from third-party software providers. Viruses don't always come in from holes in Microsoft software. They often can utilize Adobe Flash, Java, or a PDF file. You should make sure these utilities are updated via the vendor's update methods.

Never give out your password or other personal information and change your passwords frequently. BCU will never ask your social security number over a web page. Be weary of any site that asks for your information.